Braun homers in return, Brewers beat A’s 11-3

Milwaukee Brewers' Juan Francisco, right, looks skyward after hitting his second home run of the day as Oakland Athletics catcher Derek Norris, left, looks on during the second inning of a spring training baseball game on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

PHOENIX (AP) – Ryan Braun hit a two-run homer in his first at-bat back from suspension, Juan Francisco slugged two homers and the Milwaukee Brewers opened their spring training schedule with an 11-3 win Thursday over the Oakland Athletics.

Braun hit an 0-1 pitch from starter Tommy Milone high in the air and over the fence near the left-field corner. The 2011 NL MVP was greeted by mainly a hearty chorus of cheers, though there were some jeers before the at-bat.

It was Braun’s first time in the Brewers lineup since July 21, 2013. He was suspended the next day for violating Major League Baseball’s anti-drug agreement.

Milone was tagged for three runs in two innings, while Jed Lowrie had a two-run double in the first for Oakland.

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